Benson - Spring Creek

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Spring Creek's offense spun its wheels for five innings against Benson on Monday.

The home team found traction in the bottom of sixth inning and exploded for eight runs in a 10-0, mercy rule-shortened victory on the Junior American Legion baseball scene.

"I told the guys that the hits would come," said Spring Creek head coach Heath Whitfield said. "We know that if we don't give up any runs we can't lose, and tonight our pitching and defense carried us until the bats got hot."

Spring Creek scratched in the second inning when Austin Hinton reached on an error and Zach Harrell singled. Chris Nichols put down a perfect sacrifice bunt that was misplayed by the Benson defense and allowed both runners to score.

The early run support was more than enough for starting pitcher Hunter Barnett, who cruised through five innings and struck out 10 batters.

"Hunter was very good and we needed that as we start a really long week," said Whitfield. "With the games that we have coming up, we need to manage our arms and get solid innings from everyone."

Spring Creek's offense broke loose in the sixth.

Duane Gurganus doubled, Austin Hinton singled and Harrell followed with an RBI base hit. Nichols singled, Ricky Brayboy reached on an error and Ian Ladd ripped an RBI single that deflected off of second base.

Chris Boseman reached on a Benson miscue and two batters later, Barnett ended the game with a three-run double to left field.

Spring Creek scored eight runs in the inning without recording a single out.

"The left-hander that Benson started the game with gave us some problems, but eventually the hits came in bunches," said Whitfield. "You never know when something like that is going to happen."

Spring Creek (5-4 overall) travels to South Lenoir for a doubleheader today.